Cobb Island in Charles County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Milestone in Radio History
December 23, 1900
National Park Service, Thomas Stone National Historic Site, January 22, 2019
1. Milestone in Radio History Marker
On December 23, 1900, Reginald Fessenden made the first wireless transmission of human speech; that memorable event took place right here on Cobb Island, Maryland.
While Marconi is credited with the invention of the wireless telegraph, it was Reginald Aubrey Fessenden who made the first successful wireless transmission of human speech. Fessenden worked for Thomas Edison, George Westinghouse, and established the Electrical Engineering Department at Purdue University. His work on Cobb Island was supported by the U.S. Weather Bureau, which was seeking to wirelessly transmit weather forecasts to ships at sea. Reginald Fessenden is the pioneer of radio as we known it today.
To visit the historical markers at the transmission and reception sites, proceed to your left, then turn onto Neale Sound Drive.
←Vickers' House
(Map of Cobb Island)
Paid for by the Charles County Government
Erected by Charles County Government.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Science & Medicine. A significant historical date for this entry is December 23, 1900.
Location. 38° 15.817′ N, 76° 50.967′ W. Marker is on Cobb Island, Maryland, in Charles County. Marker is at the intersection
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. A different marker also named Milestone in Radio History (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Milestone in Radio History (approx. ¼ mile away); a different marker also named Milestone in Radio History (approx. 0.4 miles away); Old Chapel Bell (approx. 4.6 miles away); Ways to Explore Southern Maryland's Scenic and Historic Routes (approx. 6 miles away); Discover Southern Maryland's Amazing Stories of Exploration, Hope, and Courage (approx. 6 miles away); Charlotte Hall School (approx. 6 miles away); St. Clement's Island Museum (approx. 6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cobb Island.
Also see . . .
1. Vickers House. Maryland Historical Trust Architectural Survey File (Submitted on January 23, 2019.)
2. Reginald Fessenden. National Park Service website entry (Submitted on January 23, 2019.)
via NPS, unknown
2. Reginald Fessenden
National Park Service, Thomas Stone National Historic Site, January 22, 2019
3. Milestone in Radio History Marker
National Park Service, Thomas Stone National Historic Site, January 22, 2019
4. Welcome to Cobb Island sign, which is 75 feet north of marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 29, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 23, 2019. This page has been viewed 485 times since then and 103 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 23, 2019. 2. submitted on December 29, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3, 4. submitted on January 23, 2019. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
